Toledo Speedway

(FLAT ROCK, Michigan - August 1, 2011) - In 1981, a group called the IRA Super Modifieds visited Flat Rock Speedway’s ¼ mile paved oval.  And now, after a 30 year absence, the Midwest Super Modified (MSA) Association will invade “The Rock” for their first-ever appearance.  The slow-slung, winged creations will shoot to break the absolute track record Saturday, August 20.

Race fans will also have the opportunity to meet NASCAR driver David Ragan, the winner of the July NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Daytona International Speedway and the pole sitter for last weekend’s Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Ragan is in the area for the NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway, where he will pilot car owner Jack Roush’s #6 Ford.

For many of the MSA Super Modified drivers and teams, this will be their first trip to the lightning-fast, 2-groove bowl.  Current point leader Trent Stephens, Lou Cicconi, Charlie Schultz, veteran Bobby Dawson and Tim Ice are all set for this big event.  Canadian hot shoe Mike Lichty is also expected to be at Flat Rock.

Ice may have a slight advantage heading into the August 20 race due to his Late Model experience at Flat Rock several years ago.  Schultz was the fastest qualifier for both the Winged Sprint cars and the MSA cars at Toledo’s “Fastest Short Track Show in the World” in June and now is the Toledo track record holder for the Sprint cars.  Dawson won the Toledo event and now has 3 wins on the season, while Cicconi has captured MSA events in North Carolina and South Bend, IN this season.  Stephens is a young up and coming talent that has been consistent all season and has a victory to his credit at Sandusky, OH Speedway and has competed in a 305 Sprint Car race at Flat Rock.

Lichty won the Friday night race of the famous Hy-Miler weekend at Sandusky July 29 and has a strong resume of open wheel competition.  Mike also won the “King of the Wings” race at Oswego, NY Speedway several weeks ago.

The absolute track record at Flat Rock is 10:239, set on July 4, 1985 by Randy Sweet in a radically designed, winged stock car.

“We are extremely excited about the return of the MSA Super Modifieds to Flat Rock,” noted Scott Schultz, General Manager of the track.  “For the fans that have never seen these race cars, they are in for a great experience.  The absolute speed and handling of these cars is incredible and it will be interesting to see if they can break the track record,” added Schultz.  “And having David Ragan at the speedway just adds to a great night of fun and entertainment.  David is an outstanding young man that grew up at the short tracks just like Flat Rock, and he appreciates the role that those tracks have taken in his career.”  Race fans will get the chance to meet Ragan and get his autograph August 20.

All tickets will go on sale race day, Saturday, August 20 at the track.  The pits will open at 2 p.m., practice begins at 3:30, time trials are set for 5 and racing begins at 7 p.m.  The ticket office and front gates will also open at 3:30.

Flat Rock, MI Speedway is located on Telegraph Road, 5 minutes from I-75 or I-275.  The track phone number is 734-782-2480.  For further information, log onto www.flatrockspeedway.com